Virat Kohli's return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been put in jeopardy as the match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh has been hit with a venue issue.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh announced on Tuesday that authorities have rejected permission for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match scheduled at Chinnaswamy Stadium on December 24, scuttling Virat Kohli's anticipated appearance there.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had requested approval to host the game without fans in attendance. This decision follows a review by a special committee formed by State Home Minister G Parameshwara to assess the stadium's readiness for cricket events.
The panel inspected the venue on Monday, after matches were halted at Chinnaswamy following
a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory parade on June 4, which claimed 11 lives.
"There may be some confusion among you (media) whether there is permission to hold a cricket match or not. There is no need for confusion. As you are aware, our committee had gone there yesterday. Based on the committee's recommendation, permission has been rejected. So there is no match there tomorrow," Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.
"The committee had gone to the stadium yesterday on the instructions of the Home Department..as per the report of the department, permission has not been granted for the match tomorrow. The committee has given a detailed report, but as of now the permission is not there. "
Chaired by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner, the group included the police commissioner, along with representatives from the PWD, Fire and Health departments, and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM).
Parameshwara had met with KSCA officials, senior administrators, and police at Vidhana Soudha on Monday to discuss resuming matches. He noted that the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had previously sent KSCA a letter outlining 17 essential recommendations, directing the committee to check compliance and advise the government accordingly.
Where will Virat Kohli and Delhi Play?
Amid the rejection of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the issue of a new venue has emerged. The match has been shifted now at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground, which is also in Bengaluru. If the issue persists throughout, the entire Chinnaswamy schedule may be moved to the CoE grounds.
